My City Birmingham

A NOTE FROM 2040

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In the following four decades, I have moved four times and a total of six miles. My family and I remain firmly within the city boundary. My children are definitely Brummies. What I have witnessed in this great city is a remarkable transformation supported strongly by our combined public and private sector investment, first-class education and medical sectors and world-renowned manufacturing complementing our automotive and jewellery sectors. We have a young and dynamic population, adding to a multi-cultural society enriching the city. Never did I anticipate we would be host to the Commonwealth Games and other international sport and leisure events of which I would be extremely proud. The next 20 years will present additional challenges and opportunities, at a pace far quicker than we have seen before. The key drivers of technological advancement, ESG and demographic shifts are well known – but what will this mean for Birmingham? I CAME TO BIRMINGHAM POLYTECHNIC AT PERRY BARR IN 1985, HAVING GROWN UP IN THE VALE OF EVESHAM. TO SAY IT WAS A SHOCK MOVING INTO HANDSWORTH IS AN UNDERSTATEMENT, I COULDN’T WAIT TO GET OUT – OR SO I FIRST THOUGHT.

20 years ago, back in 2020, Birmingham set out its 2040 vision and worked tirelessly to make it happen, in close partnership with the private sector. Recognising the social and demographic shifts and leveraging its success in hosting major sporting and leisure activities, Birmingham is a sustainable city embracing change. Its young, dynamic and diverse workforce leads the way in life sciences, AI and advanced manufacturing. Birmingham is recognised worldwide as a city of innovation and sustainable commitment to growth. Its extensive green credentials, linked to its parks, cycle routes and illustrious canals, along with the catalysing effect of the completed HS2 network, means the city attracts more inward investment and relocations than any other city in the UK. Its multi-cultural society has continued to work together to strengthen the city’s sense of identity, contributing to the prosperous and thriving local economy.

A PIPE DREAM MAYBE, BUT LOOKING BACK OVER THE LAST 40 YEARS I SUSPECT I MAY HAVE SERIOUSLY UNDERESTIMATED OUR ABILITIES AND AMBITION.”

TIME WILL BEAR WITNESS TO THE ACCURACY OF THE VISION, BUT HERE’S MY LOOK BACK FOR BIRMINGHAM IN 2040….

JON LEEDHAM REGIONAL MANAGING PARTNER MIDLANDS

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MYCITY / BIRMINGHAM |